Opinions on flat

I like the location in Bayswater better. However, I like the appearance of the room pictured in The City better. I think you will be okay with either location. Bayswater has lots of restaurants and good transportation, as you said, several tube stations. It also has several bus lines which run east-west along Bayswater Road; handy also. If you like the looks of the room pictured, choose Bayswater. Be sure and read all the reviews on both properties and cancellation policy for both.

I agree that the flat in the City looks much better!! It almost seems to good to be true, with the separate bedroom and a little balcony! There is nothing similar at a similar rate in Bayswater, but I worry that being in the City won't be the best experience. We could deal just fine with the studio in Bayswater though. We won't be spending tons of time in the room no matter which one we choose.

We love being close to the City and actually sought an apartment in that area for our next visit. We love to walk everywhere and found that in Bayswater (where we always stay the night before flying home), every walk starts with crossing Hyde Park, which is nice now and then but not every time.

We love to walk along the river on the south bank side, past buskers and with great views across. When we stayed near the Inns of Court, we would just cross the river to walk where we wanted to go, crossing back when we were opposite our goal.

The City itself is supposed to be pretty quiet at night, as it is the financial district. But now that they are building new apartments in the old warehouses, that is changing. You will be close to the vibrant scene at Brick Lane, or there is lots of "olde London" feel in the area just west of St. Paul's. And all the action on the South Bank is just a bridge crossing away.

Bayswater is more upmarket than Queensway which is now very ethnic - lots of Turkish and Middle Eastern cafes. I was last in Queensway a year or so ago and it has gone down market. The trouble with London is that within a few streets you go from being quite nice to quite tatty!

I would be suspicious of the Bayswater flat as there are no external photos and they do not appear to say exactly where it is. It appears to be on the ground floor looking at the view out of the window. The reviews on this are not great. Do you want to sleep next to a rumbling fridge?

The second property is in an up and coming area but is close to the rail line out of Fenchurch Street, but this is London's smallest rail station. Trains will start running early in the morning. Great looking flat and the neighbourhood look OK.

I would go for the Tower Hill property. You will need public transport for both to get to all the sites. Look into buses as well as the tube.

Bayswater is a favorite neighborhood of mine but that said I NEVER book and Airbnb space that doesn't have a minimum of 10 positive reviews. With good public transport you can get around London and see the sites VERY easily. So, hands down go for the City Of London flat. Make certain they give you an exact address so you can Google Map it and see the closest tube stop, market, ATM and pub. Have a wonderful trip!

I would look around a bit more on the airbnb website. Not saying you will not choose one of the two you've mentioned. I would just want to check out some of their other properties. I'm sure you've already looked at quite a few, but they have hundreds of apartments/homes in London. Also try VRBO.

I just returned from 9 day trip to London/Paris and rented flats. We paid more to stay in Piccadilly Circus area and it was worth it because it was so convenient making so many sights within walking distance and an important tube line close by. We used Londonconnection.com, but also shopped on roomorama.com, vrbo.com.

Thanks to everyone who replied. We've decided against the City flat at this time. It's so nice but we have decided that the neighborhood is not really what we are looking for, and really, how much time will really be spent inside!? We still really like the Bayswater area but are looking for other options in our price point. I found some forum threads on Tripadvisor with more honest reviews about the company renting that flat that are NOT good!

And thanks Mark, for two new websites for me to look at. I'll start there and hope that I can find some better options. Anyone have a recommendation for a space with a kitchenette & ensuite for under $125ish?

Heather, I stayed in a flat in Whitechapel last year with my boyfriend and LOVED it. It was very close to the Aldgate East stop and a block away from the Shoreditch/Spitalfields scene on Commercial Street. The flat itself was small but very nice and clean with a washer and dryer. The neighborhood was very safe and one of the best restaurants I've eaten at EVER is nearby. PM me if you would like the link.